The aeroplane had been donated to Just Love Mission, a non-profit organisation, and specially flown to South Africa in 2013 by the original owners in Russia. The mission of the NPO is to change the lives of communities in a positive way by means of aviation awareness and the spirit of Ubuntu represented by their mascot “Little Annie”. It was required that “Little Annie” be registered for non-commercial flight in South Africa under the new owners, as well as pass an air-worthiness inspection. The long journey here means that “Little Annie” was due for servicing, during which the certification of air-worthiness was to be done.

The students, Rowan Price, Ross Coetzee, Ruan van der Westhuizen, Michael Oosthuizen and Jason Tollemache have a keen interest to learn from involvement with a project of this nature. Their involvement in the servicing and certification included working on the aeroplane itself. The project took place at the Jack Taylor Airfield just outside of Krugersdorp where “Little Annie” is temporarily housed.

The documentation of “Little Annie” and her story has already gained much attention in the aviation community and shows great potential to make a meaningful impact in otherwise untouchable communities.

The students reflected on their project as follows “I found the week to be an interesting experience as I did work I had never done before and I rather liked it. It revealed a lot about how a small bit of work can yield a big impact. I found it interesting how, to some, Little Annie is just an old plane with no potential. But to others, with a vision, she can be something much more” and “The thing which struck me most during this project is how our professional work impacts others. Although we may not have directly influenced a community now, what we do will eventually have an effect. I have become aware of many facets of our trade which I will take forward with me. I learned how easily we neglect excellence. The way we as engineers must one day affect positive change in the world is by doing the little things well”.

Please refer to link on “Little Annie” https:http://www.facebook.com/littleannie.hill

As well as the YouTube of the students on their project.

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